With Memorial Day approaching, I would like to say a few words about respecting the flag, protocol for flying the flag, and purchasing a flag.

1. While you are watching the Memorial Day parade and a flag passes in front of you, please stand up and put your hand over your heart.

If you are wearing a cover (hat), take it off and put it over your heart. If you are at an event and they play the National Anthem, please stand, place your hand over your heart and face the flag. If you are wearing a cover (hat), remove it, place it over your heart and face the flag.

2. If you are flying the American flag on your house you should bring it in every night, and put it up every morning. You can leave it up all night if you have it illuminated.

When the flag becomes torn and tattered, please remove it and put up a new one.

3. When purchasing a new flag please buy one that’s made in the United States. They may cost a little more, but they are better made and will last longer than foreign-made flags, and you will be putting Americans to work.

4. You can purchase American-made flags at a variety of national and local hardware stores and other retailers.

5. Please show respect for our country and our flag.

Bruce Aldrich

Commandant of the Lance Cpl. John J. Van Gyzen Detachment 1285 of the Marine Corps League